The degree of dissociation of a concentrated solution of a weak electrolyte of generic formula A_xB_y (having concentration C and equilibrium constant K_ eq ) is experimentally found to follow the relation: = ( K_ eq 256 C^4 )^ 1 5 Assuming 1 , identify the formula of the weak electrolyte.

Step-by-step solution

The general dissociation reaction for a weak electrolyte A_xB_y is: A_xB_y xA^ y+ + yB^ x- If the initial concentration is C and the degree of dissociation is , the equilibrium concentrations are: [A_xB_y] = C(1- ) [A^ y+ ] = xC [B^ x- ] = yC The equilibrium constant K_ eq is given by: K_ eq = [A^ y+ ]^x [B^ x- ]^y [A_xB_y] = (xC )^x (yC )^y C(1- ) Since the electrolyte is weak, we assume 1 , so 1- 1 . The expression simplifies to: K_ eq = x^x y^y C^ x+y-1 ^ x+y Rearranging for , we get: = ( K_ eq x^x y^y C^ x+y-1